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Encyclicals of Pope John Paul II
Redemptoris Mater: Mary, God's Yes to Man
Introduction by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Commentary by Hans Urs von Balthasar . Pope John Paul II's only encyclical on our Blessed Mother, with introduction by the Cardinal Prefect of the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and commentary by one of the world's leading Catholic theologians, Hans Urs von Balthasar. The Church's supreme magisterium and representative of the Church's most penetrating theological reflection combine to provide for all the faithful a rich and concise compendium of the Mother of the Redeemer. The development of traditional Marian dogma in the light of the present day bears the Pope's unmistakable personal stamp. The three parts of the encyclical ("Mary in the Mystery of Christ", "The Mother of God in the Midst of the Pilgrim Church" and "Motherly Mediation") draw predominantly from two Sacred Scripture and the central documents of the Second Vatican Council. There is a particular emphasis on ecumenism. What binds all Christians to Mary becomes ever she is the model of their faith. "Preparing for the advent of the year 2000, the great memorial of Christ's birth, is a fundamental concern of the encyclical. In the liturgy, Advent is a Marian the time when Mary made room in her womb for the Savior of the world and bore within her humanity's hope and expectation. Celebrating Advent means becoming Marian, imitating Mary's unconditional Yes which is ever anew the place of God's birth, the 'fullness of time'"
� Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
� Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
40 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,046 books630 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 8, 2013
One of my favorites of Pope John Paul II's many writings, this particular edition is especially to be recommended as it is introduced by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) with commentary by Hans Urs von Balthasar, both esteemed Scripture scholars in their own right and deeply devoted to Mary. I especially liked how Pope John Paul II explains Our Lord’s sayings (such as telling Mary He must ‘be about His Father’s business’ when yet a child in the temple, calling His mother ‘woman’, and informing the crowd that anyone who does His Father’s Will is His mother) commonly thought to be rebukes to Mary, which are in fact, nothing of the sort. She was the first among His disciples. Although she did not understand why He had to ‘be about His Father’s business’, she nevertheless lived her faith as a part of her journey (as we all must do)—not understanding and yet believing and trusting God. She is called ‘woman’ to remind us of the promise in Genesis, sometimes called the Protogospel, “the seed of the woman . . . will crush the head of the serpent.” Her entire life was an acceptance of God's Will and the Magnificat says it most beautifully: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; he has looked with favor on his lowly servant...”
June 10, 2009
This book was very informative. There is a lot of information, but some powerful quotes that will stick with the reader for many days to a lifetime. "Mary's like to her Son was a unique person-to-person relationship. IN the wame way, her maternal relation to every Christian constitues an "unrepeatable relationship between two people: between mother and child, and between child and mother...For each child is generated in a unique and unrepeatable way, and this is true both for the mother and for the child. I liked the way JPII pointed out Mary's role in the Church as the first of many pilgrims of faith.
September 24, 2019
When I saw that it was 60 printed pages (with the notes), I thought “Uh-oh, it’s going to be heavy deep theological read as one can expect from St Pope John Paul II”. But it really wasn’t bad. It got deeper in the second and third parts but it was beautiful. It quotes the gospels and other books of the Bible a lot, bringing out the dimensions of Mary that you might not notice immediately.
I thought that parts of this encyclical would be a good read for Protestants, particularly on how Mary was the first to believe and as such is the role model for every believer. She believed when the angel told her the plan at the Annunciation. She kept believing through the difficulty of having to hide in Egypt, through quiet hidden life in Nazareth, and still in front of the cross when it seemed like all hope is gone. She “kept these things pondering in her heart”.
An interesting aspect that St pope John Paul II brought out was the episode during Jesus’s active ministry when people told Jesus that his mother and brothers were looking for him, and his response was that his mother and brothers and sisters were those who listened to the Word of God and behaved accordingly. It was not a put-down of Mary as it may seem. Mary is an example of one who listened to the Word of God and followed (“let it be done to me”) and not just that but leading others to do likewise (“Do whatever he tells you”). So if you consider carefully it is a compliment.
I thought that parts of this encyclical would be a good read for Protestants, particularly on how Mary was the first to believe and as such is the role model for every believer. She believed when the angel told her the plan at the Annunciation. She kept believing through the difficulty of having to hide in Egypt, through quiet hidden life in Nazareth, and still in front of the cross when it seemed like all hope is gone. She “kept these things pondering in her heart”.
An interesting aspect that St pope John Paul II brought out was the episode during Jesus’s active ministry when people told Jesus that his mother and brothers were looking for him, and his response was that his mother and brothers and sisters were those who listened to the Word of God and behaved accordingly. It was not a put-down of Mary as it may seem. Mary is an example of one who listened to the Word of God and followed (“let it be done to me”) and not just that but leading others to do likewise (“Do whatever he tells you”). So if you consider carefully it is a compliment.
December 24, 2017
“Ecce ancilla domini” - solid encyclical and the commentary is very fruitful and helps to distill the somewhat more complicated texts that often go over the head.
July 15, 2023
This is a very readable look at Mary and how she relates to God and to the Church. The commentary by von Balthasar at the end adds value
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September 8, 2020John Paul II remembers that the Council of Ephesus (431) was of decisive importance in clarifying this, for during that Council, to the great joy of Christians, the truth of the divine motherhood of Mary was solemnly confirmed as a truth of the Church's faith.
August 2, 2021
First off., I think it's fair to say this is a book for Catholics and perhaps Orthodox Christians who love Mary. On the other hand, for those wanting to know what the Church teaches about Mary this is "bible." Encyclicals do not make the most exciting reading. But most of us reading about the Mother of God are not expecting car (chariot?) chases and subplots. But for anyone who wants to know what the Church teaches you will do no better than this.
November 21, 2024
Soon, I am to read ''Marialis Cultus'' by Pope St. Paul VI. But while on the subject, I dedicated time to read the encyclicals dedicated to each member of the holy family delivered by Pope St. John Paul II. From ''Redemptor Hominis'' and ''Redemptoris Custos'', there is now this, ''Redemptoris Mater.''
I believe that the solidarity promoted by Pope St. John Paul II is greatly accomplished and forwarded by these encyclicals. It's a desire for Christians to know and meditate upon the meaning of Christian parenthood, human companionship, and that salvific economy which the Incarnate Word initiated by taking upon human flesh within a virgin. I believe these- and I hope Marialis Cultus would also meet such expectation, are to be read to inform and expand the understanding of Mary as a particular mother and as the universal ecclesial mother. Pope St. John Paul gives his exegesis and commentaries on the ''Marian episodes'' within the Gospels such as the nativity, the wedding at Cana, and the crucifixion where she is deeply involved.
It's a fantastic work and I highly recommend this to neophytes but really to all and everyone who wants to know what really is the Catholic view of Mary through the lenses of the spiritual and contemplative observation. Something akin to Academics can be found in Rev. Pohle, Ph.D works on Mary or the Sacrae Theologiae Summa. Perhaps similar content can be found within Fr. Garrigou Lagrange O.P. in his ''Mother Of The Saviour''.
I believe that the solidarity promoted by Pope St. John Paul II is greatly accomplished and forwarded by these encyclicals. It's a desire for Christians to know and meditate upon the meaning of Christian parenthood, human companionship, and that salvific economy which the Incarnate Word initiated by taking upon human flesh within a virgin. I believe these- and I hope Marialis Cultus would also meet such expectation, are to be read to inform and expand the understanding of Mary as a particular mother and as the universal ecclesial mother. Pope St. John Paul gives his exegesis and commentaries on the ''Marian episodes'' within the Gospels such as the nativity, the wedding at Cana, and the crucifixion where she is deeply involved.
It's a fantastic work and I highly recommend this to neophytes but really to all and everyone who wants to know what really is the Catholic view of Mary through the lenses of the spiritual and contemplative observation. Something akin to Academics can be found in Rev. Pohle, Ph.D works on Mary or the Sacrae Theologiae Summa. Perhaps similar content can be found within Fr. Garrigou Lagrange O.P. in his ''Mother Of The Saviour''.
December 28, 2021
Another assignment for my Mariology class, I found this a bit dry. The Pope's love for Mary definitely comes through, but I don't know that I gained a different or better understanding of the entire teaching on Mary. Definitely a few nuggets on trust and faith, but past that this encyclical was not for me.
September 11, 2020
Una lectura super neesaria para los miembros de una Congregación Mariana. Me quedo con la frase: "María lleva a los fieles a la eucaristía"
January 7, 2022
Finished this one about Our Blessed Mother.
August 1, 2016
On March 25, 1987, Pope John Paul II, released one of his greatest encyclicals - Redemptoris Mater or Mother of the Redeemer. This marked the 2000 anniversary of the birth of Jesus and helped prepare for the coming millennium. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this encyclical, Pauline Books and Media released a special anniversary edition with commentary by Sr. Jean Frisk.
The text is presented in its entirety with each portion concluding with three sections - Ponder, Pray, and Act. in the Ponder section Sr. Frisk presents the reader with reflections on Jesus, Mary, the Church, and Pope John Paul II. She also provides questions for reflection. The Pray section contains an original prayer that is both personal for Sr. Frisk and appropriate for all. The final section, Act, provides a very brief directive. For example, "When you have no will to get up, remember love's first glow, rest in it, examine God's personal call to you in your vocation, renew it, and be the first to love again."
As someone who grew up Southern Baptist and converted to Catholicism, Mary was always my biggest stumbling block. I've read many books on her and I don't doubt her importance in salvation history, but I am still working on developing a more personal relationship with her. I believe it will come in time, and I believe I am making progress, but it is slow going, but the best things in life usually are. The words of Pope John Paul II on Mary show a great devotion and love for her and have helped me inch closer in my relationship with her. If you would like to read the words of a great saint on an even greater saint, then I recommend you pick up a copy of Mother of the Redeemer.
The text is presented in its entirety with each portion concluding with three sections - Ponder, Pray, and Act. in the Ponder section Sr. Frisk presents the reader with reflections on Jesus, Mary, the Church, and Pope John Paul II. She also provides questions for reflection. The Pray section contains an original prayer that is both personal for Sr. Frisk and appropriate for all. The final section, Act, provides a very brief directive. For example, "When you have no will to get up, remember love's first glow, rest in it, examine God's personal call to you in your vocation, renew it, and be the first to love again."
As someone who grew up Southern Baptist and converted to Catholicism, Mary was always my biggest stumbling block. I've read many books on her and I don't doubt her importance in salvation history, but I am still working on developing a more personal relationship with her. I believe it will come in time, and I believe I am making progress, but it is slow going, but the best things in life usually are. The words of Pope John Paul II on Mary show a great devotion and love for her and have helped me inch closer in my relationship with her. If you would like to read the words of a great saint on an even greater saint, then I recommend you pick up a copy of Mother of the Redeemer.
April 21, 2021
JPII's only encyclical on Mary, Redemptoris Mater ("Mother of the Redeemer") succeeded in demonstrating how Mary, being the first chosen by God to participate in the new covenant in the gift of His Son, is our best example of human faith as Christians. Replete with biblical references, Saint Pope John Paul II shows the variety of ways that Mary's fiat and her continuous yes fulfill biblical prophecies and glorify God. My only gripe is that JPII really focuses on biblical evidence, but Mary's hidden life means she only has a few major appearances within Scripture. The book thus can be slightly repetitive. However, my biggest a-ha moment is when the woman in Luke calls out to Jesus saying, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" Jesus, seemingly callously responds, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it." This seems to be calling attention away from Mary and toward more important things, but with a deeper understanding of Mary and the Bible as a whole, it actually refers to her to a greater degree. She is the first to hear of God's new covenant, and she not only keeps the word of God her entire life through God's grace, but she also literally "keeps" the Word incarnate within her for nine months. Jesus wants to call attention away from her earthly motherhood, which is of flesh and will pass with the passing from this life, and instead emphasize her spiritual motherhood and her example. Simply incredible. The Lord really loves to outdo Himself.
July 3, 2013
A good read for those struggling with understanding the Church's teaching on Mary. It is very pastoral and appropriate from the late Holy Father who dedicated his life to the theotokos and Mother of the Church
May 4, 2025
Un repaso en profundidad a la relación que se establece entre Jesús, su Madre y la Iglesia. Sobre las semejanzas entre el rol de la Virgen y la Iglesia, entre otros temas. Sintiéndolo... se me ha hecho un poco largo y repetitivo.
Lectura para el retiro de Teología del Cuerpo y el Misterio Mariano.
Lectura para el retiro de Teología del Cuerpo y el Misterio Mariano.
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August 12, 2008A fine edition of Pope John Paul II's encyclical on the Blessed Mother, with commentary by Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) and Hans urs von Balthasar.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews